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Manny Pacquiao leads the Senate Sentinels while General Ronald Dela Rosa spearheads the PNP team in the UNTV Cup Executive Face-off.

SENATORS, justices and generals take center stage when the UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off kicks off with a promise of fun-filled action on Saturday at the Pasig City Sports Center.

Organized by UNTV CEO and chairman Daniel Razon, the Executive Face-Off was designed to give the top executives of the government’s various branches the time to relax, renew acquaintances and show their basketball skills.

Senators Manny Pacquiao, Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara – all die-hard basketball fanatics – banner the Senate Sentinels who are eager to become the first champion team of the tournament that aims to provide financial assistance to various charity institutions.

The schedule of the six-team tournament, however, will only be known after the drawing of lots also on Saturday.

Major General (ret.) Victor Bayani will spearhead the AFP Cavaliers along with generals Mel Feliciano, Noel Clement, Arnel Duco and Gener del Rosario.

Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, meantime, will lead the Philippine National Police team that is out to complete a title double after the PNP Responders ruled the regular tournament last March – thanks to the heroics of Olan Omiping and Harold dela Cruz.

Razon said one of the beneficiaries of the league will be the Samahan Ng Mga Dating Professional na Basketbolita ng Pilipinas Foundation.

Razon promised to give the foundation a seed money amounting to P1 million which will be handed over to the association during the one-game face-off.

“It’s our own way of helping some PBA stars who we admired and cheered before but who can’t afford to buy their medicines these days,” said Razon referring to the players that played in the pro league from 1975 to 1990.

Aside from Pacquiao, Villanueva, and Angara also playing for the Sentinels are Senators Bam Aquino, Ralph Recto, JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian and Director General Rodelio Dascil.